Sponsored by the Benjamin and Anna E. Wiesman Family Endowment Fund AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA
NCJW Chocolate Festival
September 20, 2013 16 Tishei 5774 Vol. 94 | No. 01
This Week
Tree planting at the new Temple Israel Page 6 NCJW Chocolate Festival Team: Lise Sasson, left, Sarah Spooner, Jan Fischer and Alice Klein
Holiday fun at Friedel Page 7
by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Who doesn’t like chocolate? I do. My family does. My friends do. My rabbi does, too. It’s time to get your taste buds excited! The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) Omaha Section is presenting its third annual Great Omaha Chocolate Festival from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 6 at the Embassy Suites/ La Vista Conference Center, 12520 Westport Parkway (I-80 and Giles Road). The award-winning chocolate extravaganza will again feature everything from chocolate-covered cherry shaved ice to chocolate cream puffs. Proceeds from the Chocolate Festival benefit Omaha Section’s community service projects, some of
them educational in nature, such as the Child Saving Institute (CSI). Speakers are provided to CSI to talk to teen mothers about healthful eating, relevant laws, budgeting, and early childhood education as part of the Building Bright Futures program. In addition, school supplies are given to every Jackson Elementary School student on the first day of school and volunteers assist students with reading as part of NCJW’s Jackson School Project. Chocolate Festival funds are also used for mini-grants, awarded to public school teachers for innovative and creative classroom projects not funded by school budgets. Other beneficiaries are Radio Talking Books, a longtime NCJW project
which provides volunteers who create audio programs for the blind. A directory of resources and social services for teenagers in metropolitan Omaha, R.A.F.T. (Resources Available for Teens) is continually updated thanks to funds NCJW raises at the festival. Funds are also contributed to organizations that assist physically and visually impaired children and adults as well as to other groups that meet specific needs. “We expect to have about 40 vendors at the Chocolate Festival,” said Jan Fischer, general chairman. That includes Baker’s Candies of Greenwood, Nebraska, which has been the corporate sponsor of the Chocolate Festival since it began in 2011. “We Continued on page 2
RBJH promises intergenerational fun For a free spirit, a new look at life Page 12
Inside Point of view Synagogues
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by OZZIE NOGG Step right up, ladies and gents, and grab yourself a fistful-o-fun at the Grandparent’s Day County Fair on Sunday, Sept. 29, at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. The festivities run from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and every minute will be packed with excitement. “This is a not-to-be-missed afternoon,” said Mike Schop, Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Assistant Administrator. “A lot of fun mixed with a little nostalgia adds up to a great afternoon that’s sure to make three generations smile. Bring your family and come share the day with us.” “The event, a joint effort of L.O.V.E. (League Offering Volunteers for the Elderly) and the RBJH Activities Department staff, will feature old fashioned carnival games, a free photo booth for family photo opportunities, 4-H type agricultural displays of homegrown fruit and veggies, a Bouncy House, live farm
ducing an additional program at this year’s Grandparent’s Day County Fair. It’s a talent show we’ve named Tiaras and Yarmulkes as a spoof on Toddlers and Tiaras. The kids will introduce themselves to the audience and then perform an act -dance, instrumental or comedy routine -that they created themselves. Our residents will ‘judge’ the performances -meaning, each child will be awarded a prize, but we’ll also look for a grand prize winner. The kids won’t be expected to Natalie Osborne, Blumkin Home Nurse Manager with compete in a RBJH resident Betty Goldstrom and her stuffed ani- swimwear competimal prize. tion, and we promise animals -- think rabbits, sheep and not to make anyone cry. Basically, it’s chickens -- plus Midway food includ- a cute kid contest without all the ing popcorn, lemonade and funnel makeup, costumes and chaos. The cakes,” said Lois Wine, RBJH Direc- show starts at 2:30 p.m. in the RBJH tor of Volunteer Services. Mary Auditorium Main Tent, and promises Heiman, a Rose Blumkin Home Ac- to be full of surprises.” Tiaras and tivity Director, is coordinating the Yarmulkes participants should be age program with Wine. thirteen months to thirteen years old. According to RBJH Activities Di- If you know any interested young rector Karen Menagh, “We’re intro- Continued on page 3
Center for Jewish Life lineup by MARK KIRCHHOFF Administrative Assistant, The Center for Jewish Life The Center for Jewish Life announces a series of classes and educational opportunities covering a broad range of topics with exciting methods of instruction. From learning with music to pondering conspiracies to Hebrew learning through speaking plus much more, there is something here for everyone. You may register for these classes by contacting Mark Kirchhoff at mkirchhoff@jewishomaha.org or 402.334.6463.
Eliad Eliyahu Ben Shushan Friday Learning Series, 11 a.m.–noon, at Kripke Jewish Federation Library. Shir Ivrit, Oct. 4, 18, 25 with Eliad Eliyahu Ben Shushan. Music and song are a part of every culture, and Eliad Eliyahu Ben Shushan begins the Friday series with Shir Ivrit (sing Hebrew). Eliad is Omaha’s Community Shaliach and the Education Coordinator for our Partnership2GETHER program. Eliad has made an art of using song with young students to teach and entertain. Now, he brings that same passion, fun, and education to adults. When asked what these Hebrew singing classes are all about, Eliad responded joyfully, “Do you want to learn Hebrew? Do you love to sing? Do you want to learn about important milestones of Israel? Are you unable to devote hours and hours each week to accomplish this? Then come to the Shir Ivrit workshop! You will love it!” In Shir Ivrit, you will have the opportunity to learn popular Israeli songs, understand the words, and practice the melody. Each song that is chosen has an impressive history, story and background that reflect a milestone in the history of Israel. For those registered and requesting it, Eliad will send links to the songs and the words so that participants will have some familiarity with them prior to each class. Eliad was born and raised in Akko in the Western Galilee. In the army he served as singer of Continued on page 2
2 | The Jewish Press | September 20, 2013
Center for Jewish Life
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Continued from page 1 the Northern entertainment group. He has written and composed songs for two albums. His first CD, Shirat Hael, reached the top of the charts in Israel. Cost for the series is $35, discounted to $27 for those in good standing with the Federation’s Annual Campaign. For those who may not be able to attend all four classes, consider purchasing a class card, valid for use at agency short classes on a class-by-class basis. (See below for details.) Jewish Conspiracy Theories Continued, Nov. 1, 8, 22 with Rabbi Jonathan Gross. Rabbi Gross will continue to intrigue and befuddle class members as he presents Jewish Conspiracy Theories Continued. Last May Rabbi Gross presented a three-part Jewish conspiracy theories series that was so popular, CJL is bringing it back this fall. Gross commented that “Investigating conspiracy theories on one level is interesting and challenging. But once you become absorbed with the story, you realize that you have to learn more about the history, the facts, and the surrounding context of the story to understand it completely.” Participants last May were impressed at the depth and breadth of the conspiracies and at Rabbi’s ability to unravel the webs in such a clear, understandable manner. If you were perplexed by or missed out on last May’s series which included The Stolen Crown of Aleppo, The Kidnapping of Yossele Schumacher Class and The Modern Sabbateans, wait and see what mysteries await you beginning Nov. 1. “This subject matter is so sensitive that I am loathe to put it in print. People will just have to attend the classes in order to declassify the subject matter and learn how these conspiracies affect us today,” said Rabbi Gross. The classes are offered for $26, reduced to $21 for those in good standing with the Federation’s Annual Campaign. Moroccan Jews, Nov. 29, Dec. 6, 13, 20, with Moshe Gershovich. No doubt, magic carpets, belly dancing and Casablanca come to mind when thinking of Morocco. But Moroccan Jews? Join Dr. Moshe Gershovich in exploring the rich history of the Moroccan Jewish community during this survey, beginning with the early history of this fascinating group and moving through to modern times. The classes cost $35, discounted to $27 for those in good standing with the Federation’s Annual Campaign. Other offerings from the Center for Jewish Life will include Hebrew Beyond the Page, Oct. 7 – Nov., 6:30 – 7:45 p.m. with Mor Sheinbein. Adult Hebrew instructor Mor Sheinbein has responded to the request from a number of Hebrew learners to present a class to continue learning beyond the
agency’s annual Hebrew 101 and 102 classes. That is just what she has done in offering “Hebrew Beyond the Page.” This series of six classes advances beyond the standard Hebrew 101 and Hebrew 102 classes and will focus on verbal communication as well as teaching about the structure and reasoning of Hebrew. CJL is particularly excited about offering these classes since they represent a continuing interest from people learning Hebrew. The classes cost $53, reduced to $41 for members in good standing with the Federation’s Annual Campaign. Because the classes build from one week to the next, “Hebrew Beyond the Page” is not available on a class-by-class basis. Introduction to Judaism, Oct. 7 – March 3 with Miriam Gross, will be the instructor for the “Introduction to Judaism” course. This is a 20week evening course beginning on Oct. 7 designed to introduce the adult learner to the wealth and richness of Judaism as a religious culture. The purpose of the course is to offer a gateway into Judaism for those who are exploring their spiritual options. It is also a starting point for Jewish adults who are looking for a comprehensive course to give them the background to continue Jewish learning. Those interested should contact Mark Kirchhoff at mkirchhoff@jewishomaha.org or 402.334.6463 to ensure that they receive the final details for the course. The course begins with a discussion of What is Judaism? Additional topics include Written Torah, Oral Torah & Rabbinic Writings, Jewish Ethics, Jewish Life Cycle, Shabbat, and many others. The course requires study reading from one week to the next and is offered at the price of $180. Also, mark your calendars now for two special events in November. The Jewish Book Month luncheon will be held on Wednesday, Nov.13 with featured speaker Lynne Meredith Golodner, author of The Flavors of Faith, the first in a planned series Holy Breads. On Sunday, Nov. 17, Omaha will be a part of the Global Day of Jewish Learning with local scholars leading discussions on the theme, Creating Together. Details about these events will be published in a future edition of the Jewish Press. Contact Mark Kirchhoff at 402.334-6463 or mkirchhoff@ jewishomaha.org to register for any of these learning opportunities. For your convenience with the Friday Learning Series classes, a class card is available for $50. The card may be used for eight sessions on a one-by-one basis and is sold for a savings over entire class registrations. Classes are offered through the Center for Jewish Life (CJL), an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. The mission of CJL is to maximize involvement of Omaha’s Jewish community in imaginative, compelling and meaningful Jewish experiences.
Chocolate Festival Continued from page 1 didn’t feel there was any way we could say no to sponsoring a (chocolate) festival in Nebraska,” explained Todd Baker, one of the company’s owners. “The largest chocolate manufacturer in Nebraska,” according to Baker, is familyowned and operated. “We wanted to lend our name and reputation to the festival and add to its credibility. For us, it’s a platform to give away free chocolate samples and interact face-to-face with our customers.” Baker’s Candies will be handing out samples of its “signature chocolate confection,” the meltaway. “We’ll be bringing a sampling of a variety of our chocolate meltaways and introduce a new flavor,” he added. Another returnee is Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory at Westroads which will be selling caramel apples. Nothing Bundt Cakes will be giving away bite-size samples of chocolate-chocolate chip, white chocolate raspberry, white chocolate blueberry, and red velvet bundt cakes. The store also hopes to have bundtinis, mini bundt cakes, this year. Featuring white chocolate, dark chocolate, milk chocolate and salt caramels, Chocolaterie Stam is another repeat vendor. New chocolate merchants at the festival this year include SMEJ’s Snacks & More, Hiland Dairy, and Kona Ice. Marty Rosenstein, owner of SMEJ’s, is bringing candy, popcorn, Rocky Road candy, and what Rosenstein called “nostalgia candy bags” or old-time candy. Hiland Dairy will be giving away chocolate milk to cleanse the palette for the next bite
of chocolate. Kona Ice, owned by Lori Rewczuk, will offer 20 flavors of shaved ice including chocolate-covered cherry. Or, she said, “We can make up any flavor requested right there on the spot.” “Everyone I talked with, from the book group to my maj friends loved the Chocolate Festival,” said Cathy Christensen who is again among NCJW festival volunteers. After all, “What woman doesn’t like chocolate? Besides that, they were surprised that there were so many places that could be tied to chocolate!” Many men have a chocolate tooth, too. “Last year’s event was terrific, well organized, and with numerous vendors who appeared to be doing very well promoting their products,” said Marty Ricks. “At the time I was there to observe and shop, many were in attendance, and it appeared there was amazing energy on all sides.” “All ages are welcome,” added Fischer. Admission for two- to ten-year-olds is $3 which is worth three free samples. For anyone older, admission is $5, which entitles them to five free samples of chocolate. Additional sample tickets can be purchased, or products can be purchased directly from vendors. “We need lots of volunteers that day to set up, to work the ticket booth, to help vendors, and to sell sample and raffle tickets,” Fischer indicated. There were 120 volunteers last year. To volunteer, contact Sarah Spooner at 402.689.8024 or sarah.spooner@cox.net, Angela Friedman at 402.319.8794 or asf1113@aol.com, Esther Meiches at 402.397.3434, Cathy Christensen at 402.493.3514 or cathychristensen@tconl.com, or Lise Sasson at 402.203.4065 or lisesasson@me.com.
September 20, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 3
JFO dollars reach Siberia by SHERRIE SAAG reason for their excitement. It means that each one of them Communications, Jewish Federation of Omaha is coming closer to the ancient wisdom of the Torah and the About 5,000 miles east of Moscow, in a remote part of Jewish people. They recognize that, their community recogSiberia once designated by Joseph Stalin as a new home for nizes that and the Jewish Diaspora recognizes that.” Russia’s Jews, 29 young people celebrated their Bar and Bat Boguslavsky said many former B’nai Mitzvah students go Mitzvahs in July. During a family retreat, these future lead- on to become Jewish leaders in the region. “An important ers in this isolated part of the world stood before their com- factor is a link between generations,” he said. “The particimunity and became Jewish adults. pants who had their Bar/Bat Mitzvah in 2008 return to The event, held in the small and historic city of become the madrichim (counselors) and the main driving Birobidzhan, was coordinated by the American Jewish Joint force of the current Jewish communities in the Far East.” Distribution Committee That’s true for Kirill (JDC). The Jewish Sakhmanov, who celeFederation of Omaha brated his Bar Mitzvah has long provided JDC in Birobidzhan in with an allocation of 2008 and is now the funds from its Annual Hillel director for Campaign. Many Khabarovsk, a city of Omaha community almost 600,000 in far members who have viseastern Russia, near its ited Israel and other border with China. Jewish communities “After the retreat and abroad have visited JDC Bar Mitzvah in 2008, I projects and are familiar realized that I wanted with its work. to do something for The annual ceremony, the Jewish community held for the eighth time in my city,” he said. this past summer, is “the “This JDC project Bat Mitzvah in Birobidzhan, Siberia, 2013. Credit: JDC Photo central event in the life of helps us create a group the Jewish communities in Siberia and the Russian Far East,” of active young people for whom working for the communisays Boris Boguslavsky, Director of JDC’s office in the region. ty isn’t something forced but something that becomes the Between the nine-month winter season, the poverty, and work of their lives.” the haunting history, Birobidzhan is full of extremes. Vadim Katsman, director of the Mizrakh Jewish commuCreated by Stalin in the 1930s, Birobidzhan was built on nity in Khabarovsk, said the continuing service is what what one would call a “Jewish pioneering spirit.” It was orig- makes the Birobidzhan program so important. inally meant to be a place to isolate Jews. Stalin attracted “In this environment, we are building the future of our Jews to the area through propaganda, advertising it as a community. This is where young Jewish leaders are born to “socialist Jewish utopia,” or a homeland for the Jews—and lead the community tomorrow,” he says. “The fire that was those who were in that socialist mindset followed. Yet while lit during the ceremony does not go out but goes on to shine Stalin’s resettlement efforts failed at making any sort of a even brighter.” homeland, there still to this day remains a strong Jewish feel In addition to supporting the B’nai Mitzvah program, the throughout the city. JDC is currently providing care for the needy, elderly and youth The sign erected at the entrance to the city announces of Birobidzhan. It is bringing supplies and basic needs to the Birobidzhan in both Russian and Yiddish. The synagogue is poor and helping the Jewish community to thrive and grow. a small, wooden one-story structure whose age no one can Strengthening Jewish community, wherever it is found, is recall. Yet, according to a JDC volunteer who has visited, the just one of the many missions of the JDC. Whether religious center at the edge of the earth is “filled with Jews Budapest, Buenos Aires, Beijing or Siberia, there is unprecejust like us, they are teachers and professionals with a strong dented opportunity to support Jewish life and connect Jewish identity.” Jewish communities across the globe. Polina Katsman, who took part in a Bar/Bat Mitzvah cerDonations to the Federation’s Annual Campaign help supemony in 2008, returns each summer to Birobidzhan to help port Birobidzhan, the 29 B’nai Mitzvah that took place there train and mentor a new class of young Jews. last July, and communities just like them around the world. “There is no exact age set for becoming an adult. The To make your pledge to the 2014 Annual Campaign, please youth that come here are all different – some are 12, some contact Sharon Kirshenbaum at 402.334.6485 or go to are 21,” she says. “I want to always tell them that there is a www.jewishomaha.org.
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Linda & Bruce Potash Iris & Marty Ricks Teresa & Andy Ruback Howard Silber Memorial Mimi & Mike Silverman Joodi & Norm Veitzer Susan Witkowski Nancy & Phil Wolf Jeremy Wright
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R E P O RT E R Marcia Arch Diane & Donald Baum Beth Cohen/Harry Berman Larry Blass Marcia Cohen Eric Dunning Sharon & Howard Epstein Liz Feldstern Joanne & Jerry Freeman Lois N. Friedman Jordana Glazer
Alan Goodman Mary Sue & Alex Grossman Rosalie Greenspan Myrna Grumer Ilse & Marcel Kahn Max Kirshenbaum Sara & Ari Kohen Abigail & Adam Kutler David Lercher Bonnie & Steve Levinger
This year’s conference will be hosted by Chadron State College in Chadron, NE, and will take place Sept. 29 through Oct. 1. The three-day workshop will draw teachers and education students from Western Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming. Christina Chavarria, the Coordinator of National Outreach for the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC, is the keynote speaker, and Holocaust survivor Jack Adler will travel from Denver to share his testimony. Mr. Adler grew up in Poland, with his parents and three siblings. Their lives were torn apart in September of 1939, when the Nazis occupied their hometown of Pabianice. Soon, all of the Jewish residents were forced into a ghetto, where his older brother and mother would perish. His surviving family members were transferred to the Lodz ghetto and eventually to Auschwitz. Jack was liberated in May of 1945, the only member of his family to survive the camps. For more information about the Holocaust Educators Conference, or the Institute for Holocaust Education, see our website at www.ihene.org.
RBJH Grandparent’s Day County Fair Continued from page 1 performers, call Menagh in the Blumkin Home Activities office -- 334-6520 extension #2 -- and sign them up. The Sept. 29 Grandparent’s Day County Fair is underwritten by these funds administered by the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation: The Sheldon A. and Lorrie Bernstein Endowment Fund; The Betty A. Studna and Seymour T. Lee Endowment Fund; and The Chester and Phyllis Lustgarten Endowment Fund.
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4 | The Jewish Press | September 20, 2013
Organizations
WWII Speakers Series at Strategic Air and Space Museum by LIZ FELDSTERN Executive Director, Institute for Holocaust Education Over 600 students, as well as several thousand general visitors, visited the Institute for Holocaust Education’s Searching for Humanity: Veterans, Victims and Survivors of WWII exhibit in Ashland last year. This year, even more students will have the opportunity to visit, with a WWII Speakers Series and designated “field trip” dates throughout the school year. A Holocaust survivor or U.S. Army liberator will speak with students on each of the trip dates, following guided tours of the Searching for Humanity exhibit as well as the Strategic Air and Space Museum’s Hangar A. Each WWII speaker’s testimony will begin at 11:30 a.m. and is open to the public. The WWII Speakers Series will take place on the following dates: Oct 3 snd 17, Nov 7, Dec 5, Jan 16, Feb 6 and 27, Mar 27, Apr 3 and May 1. All are welcome to attend.
Regular museum entrance fees apply. The Searching for Humanity exhibit chronicles remarkable personal experiences during one of the most inhumane periods in our world’s history. A central element of the exhibit is the eyewitness account of U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Clarence Williams, who wrote about the atrocities he encountered as he entered the Dachau concentration camp in the spring of 1945. Told via photographs, memorabilia and testimony of Nebraska Holocaust survivors and servicemen, the exhibit grapples with the search for humanity during the Holocaust. For questions or to schedule a guided tour of the exhibit, contact Donna Walter at 402.334.6453. School groups can register online at www.ihene.org. Searching for Humanity was designed by artist Matthew Placzek, curated by the IHE, and generously funded by the Jewish Federation of Omaha, the IHE, and the Frances and Sam Fried Holocaust Education Fund.
Synagogues360 by ALLEN KURLAND B’nai Israel Synagogue was recently selected to be one of 37 synagogues, nationwide, to be photographed. This is part of the Syngagogues360 project conducted by Louis Davidson. He and his wife are traveling cross country by car. The blog that tells a bit about that wonderful trip and experiences along their way is http://synagogues360.blogs post.com/. According to Louis Davidson and the website, Synagogues360 brings “a unique visual and historical experience of synagogues across North America, Europe and Asia from small, remote villages to cosmopolitan cities. On our journey we have had the privilege not only of witnessing
outstanding examples of synagogue architecture, but also hearing the stories of many of these synagogues and their communities from local residents and curators.” Each is an expression of the culture, artistic values and architectural technology of its era. Time, war, anti-Semitism and shifting population have caused the destruction or changed the use of these houses of worship. This website perserves these unique historical legacies and presents them in 360-degree panoramic, interactive photos. The photos of B’nai Israel Synagogue will be processed and posted on the www.Synagogues360.org website during the first half of next year.
B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS The Consul for Public Affairs, representing Israel and stationed in Chicago, will join us to talk about the Jewish state, Syria, and Iran on Wednesday, Sept. 25, noon, at the Blumkin Home. An optional buffet lunch costs $11; beverage service only is $3. For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishoma ha.org. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Yiddish, once thought to be a dying language, is now very much alive, with Webster’s Third International Dictionary listing more than 500 Yiddish words. It has been perpetuated by greeting cards, television, radio, speakers, plays and books. It is now presented in transliterated form using the Roman alphabet, so that everyone can become a maven instantly. If you want to “jazz up” your conversation, throw in a few Yiddish words. One word in Yiddish has more meaning than a dozen words in any other language. So be a mentsh and zog a por verter (say a few words). We meet every Thursday from 1-3 p.m., in the boardroom of the Rose Blumkin Home. For information, please call Anne Skolkin at 402.343.1638. NEBRASKA JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY MARK YOUR CALENDAR! The Annual Meeting of the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society will be held on Sunday, Oct. 13 at 2 p.m. in the JCC Auditorium. The theme of the community-wide event will be Keeping Memories Alive – A Salute to Downtown Retail. The program will include a display and video featuring highlights of downtown in the good old days.
EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE & OFFICE CLOSINGS The Jewish Press will be closed to the public on Thursday and Friday, Sept. 19-20 for Sukkot, and Thursday and Friday, Sept. 26-27, for Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. The deadline for all ads, articles and photos is Wednesday, Sept. 25, 9 a.m. for the Oct. 4 issue. Questions? Call 402.334.6448
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Publishing Date | 10.11.13 Space Reservation | 10.02.13 Camera Ready Deadline | 10.04.13 Contact your advertising representative to advertise in this very special edition.
Jessie Wees | 402.334.6559 | jwees@jewishomaha.org
September 20, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 5
Rachel Saag, BBYO Omaha Council President by RACHEL MARTIN “With the right programs and the right help, we can really grow BBYO in Omaha,” said Rachel Saag, Omaha’s BBYO Council President. Saag learned this, among other valuable lessons, at AZA and BBG’s International August Executives Conference. She has been the Omaha Council President since May and will serve a one-year term. At the conference in Waynesboro, PA., Saag represented Omaha as part of the Mid America Region. The region includes Omaha, St. Louis and Kansas City. Nearly Rachel Saag every North American council and regional president was in attendance at the conference. “The N’siah and Godol from Kansas City won the spirit award, which was a big thing for our region,” Saag said. “It was really fun when they won and they dressed up as Dorothy and the Scarecrow to represent Kansas.” There, the BBYO leaders came together to “review legislation, set BBYO’s priorities, and drum up passion and excitement to motivate their regions for the upcoming year,” according to the conference report on BBYO.org. “All of the presidents from every region got together and learned to set goals for the year,” Saag said. “We learned about goal setting for our regions and BBYO in general.”
The execs participated in many educational activities, listened to seminars on membership and recruitment, and worked on incorporating all six folds of BBYO into programs. “I think we need to have a really good balance of fun programs and meaningful programs,” Saag said. “Most of ours are just for fun or to make money. Other programs incorporate all six folds and we’re missing that aspect.” One morning, the execs took part in a workshop series specifically focused on Jewish holidays throughout the program year that AZA and BBG will recognize as movement moments. They looked at Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Chanukah, Pesach, Yom HaShoah, Yom HaZikaron, Yom Ha’atzmaut and Yom Yerushalayim, and built potential program templates. Several goals for this year were established at the conference. Some of those include tracking 100,000 hours of community service and creating 200 new chapter service campaigns through the BBYO Stand UP website. “Even though Omaha is a small council,” Saag said. “We still have the resources available to us to be nationally involved.” Saag could be considered one of these resources, according to Leora Azriel, BBYO and Teen Director. “Rachel is a fantastic leader -- always energetic and passionate to promote Jewish social and educational programs within her chapter, council and region,” Azriel said. “I am so proud of her for being a positive role model to younger BBYO members, and I look forward to seeing what amazing things she accomplishes this year.” For more information about BBYO, contact Leora Azriel at lazriel@jccomaha.org.
Temple Israel Religious School full of energy by DAVID GOLBITZ Temple Israel Staff Writer The first day of Temple Israel’s Religious School got off to a rousing start on Sept. 8 with a music-filled prayer assembly led by Director of Lifelong Learning Debbie Massarano, who played guitar and led students and their parents in song. “When I got home on Sunday, I remember thinking, wow, that was an awesome prayer assembly,” fourth grade teacher Leora Azriel said. “[Debbie] connects so well to kids of all ages. She’s so energetic and she always smiles. I’ve never seen her not smiling.” After the assembly, parents were encouraged to join their children in their classrooms to meet the teachers and participate in creative activities with their kids. “Almost all the parents of my kids attended the activities that we did,” Azriel said. “They were active participants. Their kids were engaged and seemed excited to come back next week. I’m really excited for the year. I think this year is going to be awesome.” After about a half hour in the classrooms, parents were asked to join Massarano in the chapel for a parents’ orientation meeting. “It was wonderful to see so many people in the building on the opening day of Religious School,” Massarano said. “It was especially nice to see over 100 parents at the orientation meeting.” One of the parents who spent the morning at Temple Israel is Stephanie Beneda, whose daughter Shalom is in kindergarten. “When my daughter showed up, it was like a CDC reunion, all her preschool friends,” Beneda said. “There was a row of girls holding hands. It was really fun for them.”
Beneda also enjoyed talking with other parents and getting to know Debbie Massarano a little better. “Debbie’s great,” Beneda said. “She brings a fresh energy. I think if she’s excited, teachers are excited, and then parents and students are excited. It all trickles down from the top.” Andee Scioli said her son Joe also had a great time in class. “[He] said he had fun seeing his friends and that his teachers were awesome,” Scioli said. “It was exciting being in the new building and great to see Sunday school begin on such a positive note.” Before the assembly, parents and their children enjoyed a hearty “Second Sunday” breakfast of eggs and bagels, something Rabbi Josh Brown hopes becomes a new monthly tradition at Temple Israel. “I thought Sunday was great,” he said. “My hope is that it’s repeated time and again this year, to get that many people to come hang out in the building and get to know each other. It was wonderful to see parents who didn’t yet know each other well getting to know each other better, and getting comfortable in our new space and with each other. I hope that parents continue to come in when they bring their kids to Religious School.” Massarano was glad the first day of her tenure went so well. She especially enjoyed seeing everyone standing up and singing during the prayer assembly. Her other favorite part of the day “was watching Rabbi Brown doing a very rabbi thing and schmoozing with people around the tables and couches in the community court.” “I look forward to many more Sundays when the building is full of the joyful sounds of children and adults learning and just being in community,” Massarano said.
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The first thing to do is to take an inventory of all of your assets and liabilities. A spreadsheet or a computer program such as Excel, Quicken, or QuickBooks can be very helpful and effectively simplify the process of doing your annual financial checkup. As your life changes, your financial strategy may also need to change as well. Are you thinking of investing? If so, you will need to have an appropriate mix of stocks versus fixed income, tailored to your current financial situation. Are you generating enough income from your investments? Finally, are you saving enough? As always, I recommend, that everyone save at least 15% of his or her net income. You will live much more comfortably in later years by saving.
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6 | The Jewish Press | September 20, 2013
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Temple Israel members show off their green thumbs by helping to plant trees around their new building after the Rosh Hashanah morning service.
Livingston Foundation Fund Grant applications by JANET HENTHORN Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation During the past year, the Milton S. and Corinne N. Livingston Foundation, Inc. converted from a private foundation to a donor-advised fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, which administers the Milton S. and Corinne N. Livingston Foundation Fund. The former Trustees of the private foundation are now members of an advisory board responsible for recommending grants from the Fund. The annual meeting of the advisory board will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013. The primary interest of the Milton S. and Corinne N. Livingston Foundation Fund is to support Jewish institutions and projects. The Fund has a secondary interest in supporting health, education, cultural and social
services in the Omaha Metropolitan area. Grant requests should be submitted in writing, using the appropriate forms, to Janet Henthorn, Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, 333 S. 132 Street, Omaha, NE 68154. Guidelines are as follows: 1. Grants will be limited to organizations located within the Omaha Metropolitan area and the State of Israel. 2. No grants will be given for capital or endowment campaigns. 3. Organization representatives may contact Howard Epstein at 402.334.6466 or hepstein@jewishomaha.org, or Janet Henthorn at 402.334.6551 or jhenthorn@ jewishomaha.org for a grant application form. The deadline for submission of grant applications is Friday, Oct. 18.
In the news The Munroe-Meyer Institute at the University of Nebraska Medical Center will host a symposium on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), better known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, on Sept. 28 in the Sorrell Center located at 42nd and Emile streets. The goal is to provide valuable information from an interdisciplinary perspective to
families, educators, health care professionals, and others who interact with adults with ALS so that together, quality of treatment for persons with ALS improves. Registration is $75 for professionals and $25 for students, family members and others. Registration deadline is Sept. 23 at 5 p.m. For more information, visit UNMC.edu.
The Mission of Westside Community Schools by MARIETTA NELSON Communications Specialist, Westside Community Schools Westside Community Schools, located in the heart of Omaha, is a nationally acclaimed public school district. The superior staff, administration and Board of Education are committed to excellence in education for all students. WCS, also known as District 66, provides high academic and behavioral expectations in a caring, friendly environment. The mission of WCS, as an innovative educational system, is to ensure academic excellence and to serve the unique needs of all learners. Every day, some of Nebraska’s most highly educated and award-winning teachers bring the joy and wonder of learning into classrooms. Many Westside teachers and administrators have masters, specialists or doctoral degrees and are nationally certified. They are frequently honored with local, state and national awards. Class sizes are small to provide students with the support they need to succeed. Technology is a critical component of Westside education. Students in grades eight through 12 are provided laptops for the
school year. At the elementary level, students work daily with technology to enhance learning. Full-day kindergarten and elementary foreign language instruction are provided. At secondary levels, students are challenged with Advanced Placement classes, international school partnerships and ethical literacy training. A full range of opportunities and services are available for gifted and specialneeds students. All District 66 schools are fully accredited and work on continuous improvement. Which is ongoing in each building. It involves analyzing achievement data, finding strengths and weaknesses, setting goals and implementing a plan to improve learning. Westside schools are further enhanced by the support of a tight-knit community. Community members, staff, parents and students take pride in their schools and work together to improve them. A robust, successful co-curricular program of sports, clubs and teams is heartily supported by the community. Add up all these advantages and it’s obvious why District 66 is the choice for families throughout the Metro.
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September 20, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 7
Holiday fun at Friedel
Backyard Concert Series reminder by RACHEL MARTIN Picnic basket, blanket, friends and family; this is what you’ll need for the Backyard Concert Series in the field behind the JCC near the pavilion. Sailing the Soup and Sarah Benck will perform on Sept. 22, Kris Lager Band on Sept. 29, and Lil Slim Blues Band on Oct. 6. Each of the Sunday evening concerts will be held from 5 – 7p.m. Concert attendees are welcome to bring their own dinner, or purchase food from Star Catering. The menu for the concerts includes a hamburger and chips $5, beef hot dog and chips $4, watermelon slice $1, and lemonade $1. Chocolate and vanilla cupcakes from the Bagel Bin will be sold for $2 and cookies sold in packs of three for $2.50. BBYO and BBYO Connect will benefit from the cupcake
sales with proceeds going toward Jewish programming. Donations will be collected for Jewish Family Service. Donation items may include: canned fruits, peanut butter, tuna, salad dressing, and paper products such as Kleenex, toilet paper and paper towels. Please be sure that the food items are not expired. The Backyard Concert Series is sponsored by the Sokolof Javitch Music Fund, Herbert Goldsten Trust, Special Donor-Advised Fund, Myron (Mike) Milder II Memorial Fund, Ann Woskoff Schulman Memorial Fund, and Samuel and Bess Rothenburg Memorial Endowment Fund. In the case of inclement weather, the concert will be held in the JCC theater. Contact JCC Cultural Arts Director Esther Katz for more information ekatz@jccomaha.org.
Backyard concert series
Temple Youth Group
Friedel Jewish Academy gets into the holiday spirit. From top: Nehory Ben Shushan; Danny Denenberg and Becca Denenberg; Sidney Zacharia. Thanks to help from parent volunteers, Friedel students baked extra-sweet challah for Rosh Hashanah.
by DAVID GOLBITZ Temple Israel Staff Writer The Omaha Temple Youth Group began its 2013-2014 campaign by “rushing” about 10 freshmen to Kansas City for a day of fun in the sun at Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun. “Everyone seemed to have a great time,” said OTYG President Hannah Budwig. “We really got to know each other. As a Board, it really exceeded expectations.” Added Vice President of Programming Abby Hack, “Last year we didn’t have nearly that many at rush. All the freshmen really enjoyed it.” The freshmen were “kidnapped” from their homes on the morning of Aug. 24 by members of the OTYG Board, who then gathered everyone at Temple Israel before heading to Kansas City for the day. Freshmen Mikayla Langdon and Olivia Nogg both had a great time in Kansas City and are looking forward to more youth group programming, like the regional fall chavurah, which is being held this year at Camp Shwayder, outside Denver, from Sept. 20-22. “It’s fun to meet new people,” Mikayla said, “and you get to do fun stuff with your friends.” Olivia added, “I’m excited to meet kids from around the United States.” Abby, who attends Camp Shwayder in the summer, is also looking forward to returning to Colorado. “It will be really fun to go back there,” she said. “And to be there with everyone from the western part of the region will
be really nice. Shwayder is really beautiful.” The day after rush, many members of OTYG participated in walking the Torah scroll from the Cass Street building to the new Temple Israel. “It was amazing,” Abby Hack said. “I had been planning on just walking my leg, 84th to 90th, but it was really fun so I just kept walking. It was really cool to walk with the Torah. I’m really glad that I walked. It’s something that you get to say that you did.” The following week, the OTYG Board were on the move yet again, heading back to Kansas City for the NFTY Leadership Training Institute, or LTI. LTI is for youth group board members to learn about leadership skills, meet with their networks and work together to plan for the upcoming year. All six OTYG Board members attended. “It’s really beneficial to everyone who has been on Board,” Hannah Budwig said. “I’ve been on Board for four years and I’m still learning new stuff.” Abby added: “LTI was really good. I learned a lot. I think everybody felt the same way. It was a good decision to go. It’s good to be able to talk to regional board members, and I learned more and more about youth group.” In addition to the fall chavurah, OTYG is planning a Haunted Havdalah at Shady Lane Ranch on Oct. 12, complete with a hayrack ride and bonfire, an event the Board hopes will attract new members, which is a high priority to President Budwig.
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8 | The Jewish Press | September 20, 2013
The week of Succot
Journal entry from Israel TEDDY WEINBERGER As they seek inspiration for their umpteenth sermon in a three-week period, it is no wonder that many rabbis dread the Succot holiday. After all, what is there to be said that has not already been said over the course of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur? In desperation, many rabbis resort to repeating a verse from the Torah over and over again: “You shall reside in Succot for seven days.” This verse is indeed important, but it is only heeded in Israel--despite all the sermons. For diaspora Jews the timing of Succot could not be worse. Four days after the close of the high-holiday period comes a holiday of nine days in length (counting Simchat Torah), where the first and last two days are holy; and during chol hamo’ed one is prohibited from work. Wait a second, I hear some of you say: isn’t work permitted during the interval days of Succot? My friends, I’m afraid that as far as “real” work is concerned (and not technical halachic work such as turning on a light), the answer, in general, is: No. In Pirkei Avot, Rabbi Elazar Hamodai’s list of things that cause one to lose their portion in the world to come includes “hamevazeh et hamoadot.” The great commentator Rashi explains that “disgracing the holidays” refers to one who “desecrates the interim festival days through doing work or treating it as a normal weekday with respect to eating and drinking.” It’s true that there are permitted exceptions to the prohibition on work; for example, a day laborer who does not have enough savings may work in order to earn money for food. And then there’s a catch-all category permitting work for “davar ha’aveid”: work that will be lost if not done now. Because the narrow interpretation of this concept completely nullifies Rabbi Hamodai’s statement (since everything not done now is technically “lost”), this concept is supposed to be used only for time-sensitive activities connected with significant monetary loss, such as watering crops or shipping perishable goods. One thing is clear: if you take several weeks of vacation each year, Jewish law strongly encourages you—on pain of being branded an idol worshiper and of not having a place in the world to come—to take off all of the interim days of Succot (and Passover). It’s inconvenient, it better fits your vacation plans to take off in the summer? These are not halachically valid reasons. Why don’t Orthodox rabbis throughout the diaspora come out strongly on this issue? Why don’t they use their pulpits to publicize Rabbi Hamodai’s “list?” There is a concept in Jewish tradition that says “You don’t teach a law that
Who am I? you know will be disobeyed.” Besides, a rabbi who excoriates congregants for working on the interim festival days may find that he is not particularly well liked by his congregation. What is the situation in Israel? There are certainly Israeli religious Jews who work on the interim days of Succot even though they could and should have arranged their vacation schedule to take off, and yet the entire country acknowledges the interim days. School children have vacation, the stock exchange works an abbreviated day, and regular places of work often require that their employees take “hufsha me-rukezet” (“concentrated vacation”). At my wife’s large Tel Aviv financial services firm, for example, employees must get special permission to work on the interim days; otherwise, it is assumed that they will not be working and each interim festival day “costs” two-thirds of a normal vacation day. Yes, in practice many Israeli firms take the traditional Jewish approach: the norm is not to work on chol hamo’ed, though some exceptions are granted. It has long been an axiom that you can be a religious Jew anywhere but that only life in Israel gives full expression to one’s national Jewish identity. On Succot, however, it seems that thousands of otherwise Orthodox Jews in the diaspora are willing to overlook tradition for the sake of convenience. It turns out that Israel is the only place in the world where Jews routinely obey the biblical injunction to celebrate Succot “for seven days.” Happy Holiday! Teddy Weinberger made aliyah in 1997 with his wife, former Omahan Sarah Ross, and their five children. Their oldest three, Nathan, Rebecca and Ruthie, are veterans of the Israel Defense Forces; Weinberger can be reached at weinross@net vision.net.il.
Engagement AZRIEL/WERNER Leora Azriel, daughther of Rabbi Aryeh and Elyce Azriel and Matthew Werner, son of Colleen and Philip Werner of Hastings, NE announce their engagement. She is the granddaughter of Marvin and the late Beatrice Azriel of Buffalo Grove, IL, and Lydia and Marcel Azriel of Tel Aviv, Israel. Her fiancé is the grandson of Lois and Eldon Bassett, and Jackie and Philip Werner, Sr. A wedding is planned for winter 2014.
The Nebraska Jewish Historical Society needs your help in identifying this photo, which we found in our files. Please contact the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society via email at kweiner@jewishomaha.org or by phone at 402.334.6441.
What is Integrity Martial Arts? Integrity ATA Martial Arts is a new Taekwondo school independently owned and operated by Sandy Gordon. Sandy, a life-long Omahan, is a member of Beth El synagogue. After raising her four children, she needed a new challenge. She found it in Taekwondo. Sandy received her First Degree Black Belt at the age of 55, followed by her instructor’s certification, and then her Second Degree Black Belt earlier this year. She has been three time Nebraska State Champion in her age division, and 2012 World Champion. Sandy’s goal to teach Taekwondo was finally fulfilled by the opening of Integrity ATA Martial Arts. The school is located at 167th and Harrison Streets, inside Shockey Dance Company. Learning for all students of any age can be a challenging but fun activity! Integrity Martial Arts starts with students as young as four years old in the Tiny Tigers program, which meets at 5 p.m. three times a week. Classes for students seven years old and up also meet three times a week. The Youth program teaches not only traditional Taekwondo forms and sparring, but also self-defense and bully prevention. Adult only classes meet twice weekly, again focusing on traditional Taekwondo and self-defense, but at a pace suitable for a busy adult’s lifestyle and skills. Sandy encourages you to come check out Integrity ATA Martial Arts and see what you think. Bring a friend. Give Sandy a call and she will be glad to answer any of your questions: 402.490.3131. PAID ADVERTISEMENT
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Norfolk Oktoberfest 2013
Norfolk’s beginning lies in Germany. German families settled Norfolk in the 1860s, finding new life and freedom in America. Today we welcome all Nebraskans to join us in celebrating our German immigrant heritage and the many fruits of the fall harvest.
Join us for German Music, Food, and Fun for the Entire Family! Friday, September 27 5:30 pm – Traditional Tapping of the Keg Ceremony Live music on Friday starting at 5:30 pm! Also on and Saturday, Saturday, September 28 enjoy: 12:30 pm – Traditional Tapping of the Keg Ceremony Lion’s Club 3 pm – Inflatable Midway for Kids Parade at 8 pm – Street Dance All Oktoberfest Events at 7th and Norfolk Avenue (Downtown Norfolk)
10 am Riverpoint Arts Festival at 11 am
For more information, visit www.norfolkoktoberfest.com or call 402-371-4862
September 20, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 9
Point of view
American Jewish Press Association Award Winner
Nebraska Press National Newspaper Association Association Award winner 2008
Buying oranges by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor Both as a professional and as a private person I believe in freedom of expression—within reason. If your politics aren’t the same as mine, that’s okay. We don’t have to agree all the time; in fact, it’s better if we don’t. As long as we keep talking, we’ll both grow (unless you’re a white supremacist; in that case all bets are off). So why does the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign irritate me so? I don’t think the Israeli government is perfect. I don’t think any government is perfect, and holding politicians everywhere accountable is a necessity. They are human, and to be human is to err. It would then logically follow that I be okay with those who criticize Israel, even if I don’t agree with them. But I am not. At least, not in this case. The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions, BDS for short, is a global campaign that aims “to end Israeli occupation and colonization of Arab land, give full equality to Arab-Palestinian Israeli citizens and respect for the right of return of Palestinian refugees.” The campaign was started in 2005 by 171 Palestinian nongovernment organizations, and quickly found an audience around the world. It’s an attractive movement to join: There’s a clearly designated “bad guy,” there are “victims,” and you don’t really have to do anything. In a world where we are col-
lectively convinced that politicians don’t listen to us, it can be very cathartic to feel as if you make a real difference. Here’s the first problem: if I’m in a supermarket in Omaha (or London, or Amsterdam, or who knows) and I check my labels, and subsequently put those Yaffa oranges back on the shelf, what do I really accomplish? I may leave the market feeling like I took a stand and made a difference, but did I really? Or am I just being sanctimonious? The truth is, I wouldn’t know. I have no tools to measure the outcome of my one-woman shopping protest. I also don’t know who I am hurting by refusing to buy certain products, although I can count on adversely affecting regular people, while I have no way of knowing who those people are. The second reason I have a problem with the BDS movement is the enthusiasm of some of its proponents. It is a very small step from voicing antiIsrael comments to anti-Semitism. And just by saying that, I run the risk of being criticized: not everyone who doesn’t like the Israeli government is automatically an anti-Semite. But when some of the protesters use swastikas and compare the Israeli government to Nazis, I get paranoid, and rightfully so. If the followers of BDS want to be taken seriously in the debate about the peace process, they need to watch out for elements in their movement who push the envelope.
In his “Moral argument against BDS,” NGO Monitor editor Naftali Balanson writes: “The Palestinian Christian non-governmental organization known as Sabeel claims that “Jesus is on the cross again with thousands of crucified Palestinians around him, persecuted by an Israeli government crucifixion system.” Third, that “right of return.” BDS proponents claim that Israel needs to fullfill its obligations, but that too, according to Balanson, is a false portrayal: “There is no such legal obligation, nor is the right of return a peaceful goal. Rather, it is an attempt to reverse partition, refight 1948 (at least demographically) and overturn the right to Jewish sovereignty.” (Zeek.com) A bit of positive news: When Johnny Lydon (the former frontman of the Sex Pistols) was citicized for performing in Tel Aviv, he spoke out publicly against boycotting Israel. In October of 2010, the Cape Town Opera declined a request from Bishop Tutu himself to cancel a tour of Israel. In 2011, several American artists and music executives founded “Creative Community for Peace.” Among the names involved: Madonna, Justin Timberlake, Lady Gaga. The Red Hot Chili Peppers refused to cancel their Tel Aviv concert, in spite of enormous pressure to do so. I believe the boycotts hurt dialogue. Dialogue which is needed to come to any kind of resolution in the Middle East. I think that’s what bothers me the most about all this: how BDS closes the door, and cuts off all communication. It’s fatalistic, it’s about punishment, and it means giving up on and writing off a country that deserves to exist. Is Israel perfect? No. But neither is it the monstrosity that BDS makes it out to be. If we want peace, we have to keep talking. We cannot shut that door forever.
Use tikkun olam to bridge Diaspora-Israel gap
Behind the headlines NURIT CANETTI (JTA) -- Everyone knows that an ocean separates Israel and the United States. Yet after three days in New York recently, I realized just how big that ocean really is. Along with five Israeli journalists, I participated in a seminar organized by the Ruderman Family Foundation meant to help us understand the diverse U.S. Jewish community. But as we met with more and more Jewish leaders whose Judaism is their passion -- and for some their profession -- I realized just how wide and absurd the gap is between American Jewry and Israel. We met two kinds of Jews. One group I would define as “classic Jews” -- warmhearted Americans whose loyalty to Israel is unwavering, who believe the State of Israel is the national home of the Jewish people, who consider Israel’s scenic desert South and northern parks to be more fascinating than the Grand Canyon or Yosemite Park, and for whom the sight of Israeli soldiers in uniforms brings tears to their eyes. The classic Jews love Israel and Israelis, and if they have criticism of the Israeli government’s policies or are offended sometimes by the arrogance with which some Israelis treat them, they will not let anyone know. They are loyal Americans with an extra Israeli soul. The other type are Jews whose Jewishness may be an important component of their identity and personality, but is not necessarily related to Israel. To some, Israel is more important, to some of them less and to others not at all. But the common thread is that Judaism is very significant to their way of life. Although I knew that U.S. Jewry is no longer a homogenous community of donors, and that the consensus about
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the direction Israel is headed is coming undone even among its supporters in the United States, it was interesting and surprising to discover just how much people living in Israel do not understand what is going on with their brothers and sisters in the Diaspora. For most Israelis, Jews in the U.S. are the same as those who were living in America after the victory in 1967 or the Yom Kippur war for survival in 1973. I must admit that even now, after the seminar, I personally feel that U.S. Jewry “has our back” when necessary, especially if Israel’s security is threatened. But I also understand that if, for example, the government of Israel decided to attack Iran in opposition to the U.S. administration, I’m not sure that U.S. Jewry would have Israel’s back in the same manner. If during the recent American election we spoke of U.S. Jews tending to favor a specific party, while senior Israeli politicians took sides without shame or fear, I understood after a series of meetings in Manhattan just how wrong Israelis were. Community, peoplehood, even support for Israel is decided upon by the individual Jew. U.S. Jews are no longer the “long arm” of the government sitting in Israel. The State of Israel is an important reference point but not central to their daily lives. Judaism and its ties to Israel have undergone a significant change. What impressed me most were the social activists we met, people who volunteer and stand at the head of large organizations, who attribute their humanitarian work to their Jewish upbringing and core Jewish values. Certainly in Israel this exists, especially in religious circles where gemilut chasadim (acts of kindness) and tzedakah (charity) are emphasized. But these Jews see their work in Africa or South America as a direct result of the words in the Torah that every person is created in the image of God. Their work is the clearest expression of their Judaism, but it does not man-
ifest itself when Israel is discussed. As the seminar progressed, it became apparent that Israel’s treatment of American Jewry remains stuck somewhere between 1967 and 1973, while American Jewry has spread its wings and evolved. Diaspora Jewry is important to Israel and Israelis, and vice versa. The Ruderman Family Foundation seminar is a drop in the ocean in an attempt to connect the two worlds and understand each other; even Birthright Israel is insufficient in bridging this ocean. I want to propose a model that can help bridge the gap. If tikkun olam (repair of the world) is the way to the hearts of young Jews, Israel should generate opportunities for Diaspora Jews who are seeking self-realization via humanitarian activities. Israel could create a center that would send young Jews on social missions around the world. It should not be institutionalized nor a government program, but should be centered in Israel. This can attract young Jews who otherwise may have no interest in Israel to come to Israel and join programs that already exist around the world or in their country of origin. If Diaspora Jews see tikkun olam as a first-rate Jewish value, why shouldn’t Israel contribute and invite Jews everywhere to visit there -- not just for Birthright or Masa trips - and then join humanitarian missions around the globe? Imagine what a wonderful contribution to the world it would be if Israel were to become a beacon of humanitarianism. More important, it could help bridge the gap with those who no longer view Israel as central to their Jewishness. Nurit Canetti is a publicist, columnist and editor of “Ma Boer,” a popular program on Army Radio. This Op-Ed was translated from Hebrew by Ephraim Gopin.
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10 | The Jewish Press | September 20, 2013
Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618 Mynster Street | Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 | 712.322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com For information on our historic synagogue – dates and times for Friday night services, call 712.323.8885. FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. followed by an oneg with guest speaker, Larry Blass on the Care System for the Elderly is Like an Oriental Menu (It may sound good, but you’re not always sure of what you’ll get.) The community is invited. Miles Remer will officiate at all of the Speaker Series Services.
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California | Omaha, NE 68154-1980 | 402.492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman. FRIDAY: Sukkot Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Kabblatat Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Sukkot Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; MinchaMa’ariv, 7 p.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Torah Study Group, 10 a.m.; The Secrets of the Jews, 10 a.m.,with Andy Greenberg. Cost is $36 for members, $45 for non-members. Register online at www.bethel-omaha.org; Kibbutz Chaverim, 12:15 p.m., we’ll be going to the Sukkah Hop. Adult drivers are needed to help drive kids to Beth Israel; contact Eadie Tsabari in the synagogue office or etsabari@bethel-omaha.org. Pick-up will be at 3:30 p.m. at the Blumkin Home; Sukkah Hop, a progressive holiday celebration starting with appetizers at 12:15 p.m. at Beth El; then on to Beth Israel at 1:15 p.m. for lunch; 2:15 p.m. at Temple Israel for ice cream; and 3:15 p.m. at the Blumkin Home for refreshments and fun. Cost to attend is $5 a person or $20 a family; USY/Kadima, 5 p.m., we’ll enjoy a picnic during the Backyard Concert at the JCC; Mincha-Ma’ariv, 5:30 p.m. MONDAY: Shacharit, 6:40 a.m.; Mincha-Ma’ariv, 5:30 p.m.; Tai Chi class, six-week session, led by certified Thai Chi instructor Beth Staenberg, 6:30 p.m. Cost, $18. Register online at www.bethel-omaha.org. TUESDAY: Shacharit, 6:40 a.m.; Wrestling with the Rabbis of the Talmud, 10 a.m. weekly adult-education class led by Rabbi Abraham. No charge to attend; everyone is welcome; Mincha-Ma’ariv, 5:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Hoshanna Rabbah, 6:30 a.m.; Shmini Atzeret/Simchat Torah Services, 5:30 p.m.; Choir Rehearsal, 7:30 p.m. in the chapel. THURSDAY: Morning Services (Yizkor and dedication of plaques), 9:30 a.m.; Mincha-Ma’ariv and Hakafot, 5:30 p.m. celebration will feature singing, dancing and a special Torah ‘Scroll Roll.’ Congregants Anna Mosenkis and Caryn Scheer will be honored during the evening and the following morning during services. Hakafot Services, 9:30 a.m. and Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 27. Yad Awards, Saturday, Sept. 28, during 9:30 a.m. Shabbat services, Yad Awards will be given to those congregants who have regularly read Torah during the past year. BESTT’s Shabbat’s Cool and shul-in sleepover for grades 27, is planned for Saturday, Sept. 28; pick-up, Sunday, Sept. 29, 10:15 a.m. Blessing of the Animals, Sunday, Sept. 29, 9:45 a.m., for the entire community. Bring your four-legged friends to Beth El’s parking lot (west side) for a special blessing. Torah Tots, Sunday, Sept. 29 10:45 a.m.-noon. Toddlers will enjoy a special blessing of the animals with their favorite pets. Iron Chef Cholent Challenger, Saturday, Oct. 5, 12:30 p.m.
Candlelighting Friday, September 20, 7:06 p.m. Wednesday, September 25, 6:58 p.m. | Thursday, September 26, no earlier than 7:56 p.m.
Register by Monday, Sept. 23, to participate. For more information, visit Beth El’s website. Watch out for Shabbat, Saturday, Oct. 5. Join us for a peaceful Shabbat afternoon at the shul. Enjoy a delicious cholent lunch, games, discussions and Shabbat activities for the entire family. Family Shabbaton, Nov. 15-17, Lied Lodge in Nebraska City. All families in the Jewish community with children in seventh grade and younger, are welcome. Register online at Beth El’s website. All classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish community.
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street | Omaha, NE. 68154 | 402.556.6288 www.BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org Office hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross. FRIDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Minch-Ma’ariv, 6:55 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Book of Kohelet, 6 p.m.; Mincha, 6:50 p.m.; Havdalah, 8:04 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Daf Yomi: Week in Review with Rabbi Gross, 7:45 a.m. TUESDAY: Women’s Study Group, 6:30 p.m. at the home of Kathy Weiner. WEDNESDAY: Mincha/Ma’ariv, 6:58 p.m. THURSDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Yizkor, 10:30 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 6:30 p.m.; Hakafot followed by dairy dinner, 7:15 p.m.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway | Offutt AFB, NE 68113 | 402.294.6244 FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME 323 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE 68154 FRIDAY: Sukkot Services, 9 a.m. led by Andy Greenberg. SATURDAY: Shabbat Services, 9 a.m. led by Andy Greenberg. THURSDAY: Shimini Atzeret Services, 9 a.m. led by Andy Greenberg. Services will be held in the Chapel. Members of the community are invited to attend.
TEMPLE ISRAEL CHABAD CENTER An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 South 120 Street | Omaha, NE 68144-1646 | 402.330.1800 www.OChabad.com | email: chabad@aol.com Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Shacharit, 10 a.m. followed by lunch; MinchaMa’ariv, 7 p.m. SATURDAY: Minyan and Meditation, 9:30 a.m. followed by Kiddush lunch. SUNDAY: Minyan, 8:30 a.m.; Breakfast Bonanza, 9:30 a.m.; Soup in the Sukkah - A Sukkot celebration for women and girls, 6 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Sukkot Live, 5:30 p.m. Fun for the whole family. TUESDAY: Dynamic Discovery with Shani Katzman, 10:15 a.m. A class for women based on traditional texts with practical insights and application. RSVP by calling the office. WEDNESDAY: Personal Parsha class, 10 a.m. with Rochi Katzman. RSVP by calling the office; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 6:30 p.m. followed by Hakafot and dinner. THURSDAY: Shacharit, 9:30 a.m. followed by lunch; Yizkor, 11 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 7 p.m. followed by Hakafot and dinner. All programs are open to the entire community.
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN South Street Temple | Union for Reform Judaism 2061 South 20th Street | Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 | 402.435.8004 www.southstreettemple.org Services conducted by Rabbi Craig Lewis. FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. with oneg following hosted by Gloria Jacoby and Zoya Zeman. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m.; Sukkot Potluck Celebration, 4-7 p.m. at
Wiesenthal Center rips Argentina soccer squad by JTA NEWS STAFF BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (JTA) -- The Simon Wiesenthal Center urged an Argentinian soccer association to sanction a team associated with the Jewish community for making racist chants. The center made its request in a recent letter to the Argentine Football Association’s Disciplinary Court over chants by fans of the Atlanta Football Club in its Aug. 25 match against the Chacarita Juniors. “In the past we asked for sanctions for anti-Semitic chants that Atlanta fans received,” Sergio Widder, the Wiesenthal Center’s director, told JTA. “So now we cannot keep silent when they proffer racist chants against others.” The Argentine National Institute Against Discrimination already has intervened. Atlanta is a professional club
the home Ellin Siegel and John Mosow. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to the Temple office (402.435.8004). SUNDAY: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High Lite, 9:45 a.m.-noon at South Street Temple; Hallah High, 9:45 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Pizza in the Hut, noon in the community Sukkah at Tifereth Israel. Pizza, cookie and a drink will be available for $5 per person. WEDNESDAY: No LJCS Classes ADULT EDUCATION TUESDAY, 6:30-8 p.m. Intro to Judaism, led by Rabbi Lewis. The cost is $50 to cover course materials. Couples can share materials and need only pay one fee. Informal Pizza Dinner, Friday, Sept. 27, 5:15 p.m. If you want to participate, contact the Temple office so enough pizza can be ordered.
founded in 1904 in the Jewish neighborhood of Villa Crespo that historically has received the support of Jewish fans. The team features several Jewish players and administrators. In 1963, Atlanta, the first Argentinian team to visit Israel, defeated its national squad. In February 2000, fans of a rival team greeted Atlanta with Nazi flags and threw soap on the field while singing “with the Jews we make soap.” Their actions spurred the national soccer association to establish rules requiring the referee to end or suspend a match due to racist expressions. In March 2012, the Wiesenthal Center called on the Argentine Football Association to penalize the Chacarita Juniors over anti-Semitic chants from its fans.
Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive | Omaha, NE 68144-1206 | 402.556.6536 http://templeisraelomaha.com FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Brown and Cantor Shermet. SATURDAY: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. SUNDAY: Habitat Build, 8 a.m.; Grades K-6, 10 a.m.; Community Sukkah Hop, A great family activity complete with food, crafts, games and music. We start with appetizers at Beth El at 12:15 p.m., followed by lunch at Beth Israel at 1:15 p.m., and we round out the afternoon with ice cream and tours of the new building at Temple Israel at 2:15 p.m. The cost is $5 per person or $20 per family; Kol Rina Rehearsal, 12:30 p.m. TUESDAY: Adult B’nai Mitzvah: Hebrew Study, 6:30 p.m. with Na’ama; Kol Rina Rehearsal, 6:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 4 p.m.; Family School, 6 p.m.; Grades 7-8, 6 p.m.; Temple Teen Night, 6 p.m.; Simchat Torah and Consecration, 6:30 p.m. Join our kindergartners as they begin their Religious School education. The children will receive a blessing from the clergy and the Torah scrolls will be paraded around the sanctuary. Our students who have had their B’nai Mitzvah in the last year will be invited to read a short verse from their B’nai Mitzvah Torah portion. After the service there will be an oneg with ice cream and dancing, with music provided by Tuffy Epstein. THURSDAY: Simchat Torah Morning Service and Yizkor, 10:30 a.m. If you would like to have the names of your loved ones read at the Yizkor service, please contact the Temple Israel office, 402.556.6536, by Tuesday, Sept. 24.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard | Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 | 402.423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. FRIDAY: The office will be closed; Mincha-Ma’ariv, 6:15 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 10 a.m. followed by Kiddush lunch. SUNDAY: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High Lite, 9:45 a.m.-noon at South Street Temple; Hallah High, 9:45 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Pizza in the Hut, noon in the community Sukkah at Tifereth Israel. Pizza, cookie and a drink will be available for $5 per person; Tifereth Israel Board Meeting, 2 p.m. WEDNESDAY: No LJCS Classes THURSDAY: The office will be closed; Services, 8:30 a.m.; Yizkor, 10:30 a.m.; Erev Simchat Torah Services, 6:45 p.m. followed by an ice cream sundae bar. FRIDAY, Sept. 27: The office will be closed; Services, 8:30 a.m.; Shabbat Services, 6:45 p.m.
Pulverent e
September 20, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 11
Clouds of Glory
Sparks from the word RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Sukkot There are a host of reasons why it is more difficult to develop enthusiasm for Sukkot on a par with the attraction Passover has for the generations of Israel. One of them is the proximity of Sukkot to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. It may well be that in the ancient world these were seen as preliminaries to the Great Festival of Ingathering. But life conquers logic, and life is bigger than any master-plan. As time went on, the Solemn Days before Sukkot supplanted it in importance in the eyes of the House of Israel. Another reason, however, is the apparent superior relevance of Passover and Shavuot, compared with Sukkot. We never tire of reminding ourselves that Passover is the paradigm of man’s quest for freedom. Liberty for Mankind is a prime good, perhaps the desideratum par excellence of all civilized living. And since Passover is each year the continuing promise of the Lord to effect human freedom, and at the same time the continuing demand that mankind never forget that liberty must be watched over, fought for, always prized and forever demanded, its freshness never fails. Sukkot is the third of the agricultural festivals. The Bible gives it a historic dimension, however, in addition to its earlier character as the Festival of the Ingathering. It is a reminder of the “booths� in which the Children of Israel lived precariously (but under God’s protection) between Egypt and the Promised Land. The Midrash offers the suggestion that these were the real huts, or hastily prepared shelters, against the desert heat of the sun and freezing nights. But at the same time the Midrash, in the name of Rabbi Akiba, suggests that these were “Clouds of Glory,� instruments of divine protection and promise. And this gives us the suggestion we need to surround Sukkot with some of the popularity and relevance that fall naturally about Passover and Shavuot. Not only is it relevant to point out that life, like the Sukkah, is never secure and that we are always under God’s will and His protection, but it is relevant further to say that like the Sukkah, our lives are always under God’s promise. There are “Clouds of Glory� about us. We are meant not only for labor, bread by the sweat of our brows, adversity, strife, obstacles, pain and misery; we are meant to be God’s children, under His protection and His promise, and destined for attainment.
U.S. authorities issue Sukkot advisories by JTA NEWS STAFF WASHINGTON (JTA) -- U.S. authorities released travel guidelines for Sukkot. “TSA’s screening procedures do not prohibit the carrying of the four plants used during Sukkot -- a palm branch, myrtle twigs, willow twigs, and a citron -- in airports, through or security checkpoints, or on airplanes,� the Transportation Security Administration said in a statement, noting the dates of this year’s Sukkot holiday, Sept. 18 to 25. The TSA notice said, however, that all passengers undergo security screening at checkpoints. In a separate statement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection also noted that the four species were allowed entry, but noted a number of restrictions subject to inspection. “Travelers will be asked to open the container with the ethrog and unwrap it,� its advisory stated. “The agriculture specialist will inspect the ethrog. If either insect stings or pests are found, the ethrog will be prohibited from entering the United States. If neither is found, the traveler will be allowed to rewrap and re-box the ethrog for entry into the United States.� Twigs of willow from Europe are banned, it continued, and any sign of pests or disease will mean confiscation of the product. In a press statement noting the allowances, Rabbi Levi Shemtov, who directs American Friends of Lubavitch, also urged observant Jews to cooperate with airline staff and authorities, for instance when praying aboard aircraft. “Particularly, one should let flight attendants know if they will be davening in flight BEFORE they begin, and understand the implications, as well as potential prosecution, for ignoring requests to sit down when requested, etc.,� said Shemtov, who consulted with Rabbi Abba Cohen, the director of the Washington office for Agudath Israel of America, in setting out the guidelines. “For example, flight attendants do not usually understand ‘nu,’ ‘uh,’ and hand signals, etc. especially when you are already in tallis and tefillin.� Shemtov told JTA that religious Jews should appreciate the efforts of travel authorities to facilitate their travel. “We in the Jewish community are fortunate to live with an unprecedented level of personal liberty,� he said. “I hope everyone will appreciate that cooperation with authorities that are so sympathetic to our traditions is the least we can do in return.�
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Simchat Torah “Scroll Roll� caps High Holy Days celebrations at Beth El by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Visitors to Beth El on Thursday, Sept. 26, will enjoy a spirited Simchat Torah (Rejoicing in the Torah) celebration, complete with singing, dancing and refreshments. The evening -- wonderful for adults and children alike -- will be highlighted by a ‘Scroll Roll,’ when attendees stand shoulder to shoulder and unroll an entire Torah scroll to display its unique and intricate writings. As a special treat, join Moses, Aaron and Miriam – live and in person! -- for a tour of the Torah, followed by snacks and beverages (including adult bevAnna Mosenkis erages). At the end of the evening every child will receive a goody bag to take home. The festivities begin with 5:30 p.m. Mincha/Ma’ariv services, followed by the joyful hakafot. Also during the evening, dedicated congregants Anna Mosenkis and Caryn Scheer will be honored as KallatTorah and Kallat Bereshit, respectively. For years, Mosenkis has provided the keyboard accompaniment for Beth El’s Friday night Kabbalat Shabbat service, as well as other programs and synagogue events. Her participation extends to a variety of synagogue programs, and she can always be counted on to help make a minyan during daily morning services. Scheer has made her mark at Beth El in a number of ways: among them, she has been instrumental in establishing the Young Adult Committee; the parent-toddler playgroup; and
‘Our Shabbat Tables,’ which brings congregants together at each other’s homes for special Shabbat dinners. She serves on Beth El’s board of trustees, is a member of the marketing committee, and is a frequent Torah reader. Mosenkis and Scheer will also be recognized during Simchat Torah services on Friday, Sept. 27, 9:30 a.m. Lloyd Roitstein, Beth El’s Board of Trustees president, lauded both women, saying, “We are so grateful for the time and talent Anna and Caryn have shared with our congregation. Through their dedication and passion for Beth El, they have set a wonderful example for others, and we hope they Caryn Scheer continue their involvement with the synagogue for many years to come.�
Buy or Sell a Classic Car on a Classic Car website! Just call this newspaper or 800-369-2850 today to place your classic car, truck or motorcycle for sale ad and 4 photos on the Midwest Classic Cars website for only $25.
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CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING in over 170 newspapers. Reach thousands of readers for $225/25 word ad. Contact the Jewish Press at 402-334-6448 or call 1-800-369-2850. LOOKING FOR the classic car, truck or motorcycle of your dreams? Midwest Classic Cars website is your Midwest connection to classic vehicles for sale. Need to sell a classic vehicle? For only $25, your ad with photos will run until sold! Call this newspaper today for more information or call 1-800-369-2850. DON’T MISS the Menno Pioneer Power Show’s 27th year! Menno, SD, just North of Yankton. Too much to describe. www.pioneeracres.com, September 21 & 22. Great Show! BANKRUPTCY: FREE initial consultation. Fast relief from creditors. Low rates. Statewide filing. No office appointment necessary. Call Steffens Law Office, 308-8728327. steffensbankruptcylaw.com. We are a debt relief agency, which helps people file bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code. AFFORDABLE PRESS Release service. Send your message to 175 newspapers across Nebraska for one low price! Call 1-800-369-2850 or www.nebpress.com for more details. LAST MINUTE Getaway! Overnight stay in Nebraska City at Lied Lodge for $99. Includes breakfast for two. September special, Sunday-Thursday. Call 800-546-5433 to make your reservation. REGULAR/HANDICAP Walk-in tubs or shower units, complete bathroom remodeling, reasonably priced models available. Licensed government contractor. 402-896-2966, more info: www.showersplumbing.com. LUXURY 2-BEDROOM Disney World Timeshare. One week every year. Use worldwide. RCI. Best you can own. Paid $20K. Widow selling only $3,600 obo. 406-261-8066. EDI ANALYST - Zyantus, Inc., Kearney, NE. Entry level full time. Perform basic programming and system maintenance related to EDI. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience required. Resume and cover letter to mike@ zyantus.com. PROTEC BUILDINGS, division of Sioux Steel Company, is looking for Dealers/Erectors with a background in concrete/building sales. Call Monte James: 605-359-6657, www.protecbuildings.com. APPLIANCE SERVICE Technicians. Technically proficient in appliance repair of Whirlpool, Maytag, LG, Samsung. $25-$35/hour. Mid-City Superstore, c/o Doug, Box 818, Norfolk, NE 68702. dwspeidl@midcity.us. “PARTNERS IN Excellence� OTR Drivers APU equipped Pre-Pass EZ-pass passenger policy. 2012 & newer equipment. 100% No touch. Butler Transport, 1-800-528-7825. HIRING OTR Class A CDL drivers. Late model equipment. Scheduled home time. Excellent miles. No East Coast. E-logs. Call Chuck to qualify, 800-645-3748. ROCK CREEK Renegades Modern/Black Powder Gun Show, Early American Trade Fair, Sept. 28 & 29, Lancaster Event Center, 84th & Havelock, Lincoln, 402-477-6409, www.rockcreekrenegades.com.
12 | The Jewish Press | September 20, 2013
For a free spirit, a new look at life by JOSHUA SAFRAN OAKLAND, Calif. (JTA) -- I know now that my family tree is adorned with rabbis and Hebrew novelists, Yiddish auctioneers and shtetl folk healers. But as a kid, I didn’t know a thing about it. I didn’t even know I was Jewish. My mother, Claudia, pulled up her roots as a teenager and came west to San Francisco in the Summer of Love trying to find a new family -- one based on a shared vision of communitarian love, not tribal bloodlines or ancient texts. She still hadn’t found what she was looking for by the time I was born at the end of the Vietnam War, and my early childhood was spent wandering the American West in search of an elusive utopia. By the time I was 10, my mother and I had hitchhiked for thousands of miles and befriended hundreds of exceptionally strange people. We had danced around bonfires and lived in vans, buses and an ice cream truck. Some nights we slumbered blissfully under the stars; others I lay awake paralyzed by the howling of wolves. Our quest for utopia stalled out in rural Washington State when Claudia married Leopoldo, a former Salvadoran guerrilla fighter who brought with him demons from the civil war in Central America and a serious drinking problem. My mother was convinced that he was a messianic revolutionary hero she had foretold in clairvoyant visions. I was pretty sure Leopoldo was going to kill us. In the summer of 1986, we moved to a temperate rainforest on one of the San Juan Islands. Leopoldo told us he was going to build us an ancient Egyptian-style pyramid to live in, but his plan failed when he threatened to kill the property owner. As the winter rains fell, we found refuge in a dilapidated little apartment in the town of Stanwood, Wash. I found refuge in the local public library, where I began researching the Jewish legacy I’d just learned was my birthright. The ancient spirituality of the Land of Israel inspired me, and the rich tradition of the ancestors made me feel like I finally belonged somewhere. But my mother’s political condemnation of Israel gave me pause -- until I finally got access to a television after my seventh-grade teacher assigned watching the nightly news as homework. Claudia wouldn’t throw down $50 for a used television of our own, but she reluctantly agreed to let me watch elsewhere. I had to admit that the moving color pictures gave me a new perspective on certain news stories. The Midwestern
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drought that Claudia had dismissed as a corporate scam to gain more farm subsidies sure looked like a bona fide disaster to me. And despite his evil policies, Reagan actually moved and talked like a nice old man, not a demon loosely draped in human skin. But the most startling difference was my take on the intifada. This was an issue that kept me awake at night. How was I supposed to take pride in being Jewish with genocide being committed in my name? But now the intifada was being televised. Instead of a still, grainy picture of a Palestinian boy holding his leg in pain, I was presented with broad pans of hundreds of men hurling rocks and Molotov cocktails at almost impossibly restrained Israeli soldiers. I peered in to look at their skin color. Claudia had characterized this conflict as a redux of the civil rights movement, except this time the dark-skinned, oppressed minority wasn’t just being denied its basic human rights and dignity, but also being targeted for extermination. But that wasn’t what it looked like on camera. When presented with my thoughts on the issue, Claudia assured me my conclusions were all the result of selective editing and government manipulation of the media. But I wasn’t so sure.
Claudia’s grip on my worldview began to erode in front of the television, quickly disintegrating entirely. On one thing after another, I realized my mother was wrong. Maybe the Israelis were actually decent people trying to make the best of a complicated situation. And if this were true, maybe the same could be said for America. Maybe the police and the government and the corporations -- everyone I’d been taught to hate and fear -- were all fundamentally good people trying to do their best in complex times. And what if black and brown people weren’t morally superior to white people? What if we were all just individuals who should be judged by the content of our character? Wasn’t that what Dr. King had been talking about anyway? And if that were the case, maybe your politics shouldn’t define your moral worth. Maybe you could be an uber Republican but still be a good person. And maybe, just maybe, you could believe in the revolution and the people and still be a terrible person. I walked back thinking about the river of ideas I’d been swimming in my whole life. All of the life choices my mother had made, all of the deprivations I had suffered -- were they all premised on delusions? The walls of my room were plastered with protest posters I’d picked up over the years, and I looked at them now with new eyes. First, I tore down Israel Out of Palestine! And then I tore down U.S. Out of North America! And then I ripped at my political wallpaper with the zeal of a recently deprogrammed cult survivor until all that remained was one antinuclear war poster. Then I tore that down, too. Who knew? Maybe you could hug your child with nuclear arms. This was excerpted from Free Spirit: Growing Up On the Road and Off the Grid, published by Hyperion Books.
New Sukkah at Beth Israel by BETH COHEN for Beth Israel Beth Israel will celebrate Sukkot in a new synagogue sukkah this year. The new sukkah is dedicated in memory of Harry and Sarah Shrago and Phil and Helen Schwartz. Using a newly constructed pergola, sides and schach (roof coverings) will be added for the festival. The pergola can be enjoyed year round as a new outside meeting space at the synagogue. President David Kohll and Rabbi Jonathan Gross in the new sukkah.